~~ computer terminologies 1~~

1) 3G: Shorthand reference for 'third generation mobile telephone network'. 3G networks support fast data transfer, making such things as sound and video transmission possible.

2) ActiveX: Technology for adding extra features to an application like a web browser. ActiveX components are usually downloaded automatically, or with minimal user interaction.

3) ADSL: Stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A technology that converts an ordinary household telephone line into an extremely fast internet connection -- around ten times faster than a regular 56K modem.

4) Advanced Photo System (APS): A photographic film format capable of capturing three different picture sizes. APS-based cameras also benefit from the simplicity of slot-in-and-go loading of the film cartridges. Reprints can ordered from index prints, consisting of thumbnail representations of photos, and supplied with all developed film.

5) AGP: Accelerated Graphics Port. A PC interface (either an expansion slot or built-in) used for super-fast 3D graphics facilities. Ideal for handling the 3D worlds depicted in many of today's top games.

6) AVI: A type of video file used by windows and usuall played using Windows Media Player.

7) Banswidth: In computing terms, a measure of the maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a connection at any one time. For example, if you connect to the internet using a modem, then the bandwidth is likely to be up to 56Kbps (or 56,000 bits of data per second).

8) Beta: Version of a software application or system still in development. Companies make beta versions available to selected testers for evaluation, testing and feedback.

9) BIOS: Basic Input Output System. Software built into all PCs, to control the basic operation of devices such as the screen, hard disk and keyboard. When a PC is switched on, the BIOS automatically kicks in, and looks for a drive (like the hard disk) from which the operating system proper can be launched.

10) Bitmap (BMP): A type of graphic image recorded as many tiny dots (or pixels). Scanned photographs and similar images are often stored in this form. If you use an image-editing application to zoom in on a bitmap image, the pixels will gradually become distinct. BMP image files tend to be quite large, so other types are more popular.